Children often discover themselves through stories. They recognize familiar emotions, imagine new possibilities, and begin to understand where they belong. For military children, however, that sense of recognition has often been missing from the bookshelf.
Maria Volodkevich is working to change that, one picture book at a time.
The Air Force veteran and United States Air Force Academy graduate recently launched Operation: Care Package, the first book in her Zooming Zoey & Wingman Willie series through Little Wingmen Press, LLC. Since its April 2026 release, the independently published title has sold more than 300 copies worldwide while beginning conversations about an audience that has long received little attention from children’s publishing.
Recognizing an Overlooked Audience
Military families experience a unique rhythm of life. Deployments, relocations, and constant adaptation become part of childhood, yet those experiences rarely appear in children’s books.
Volodkevich saw an opportunity to create stories that acknowledge those realities without losing the sense of adventure and optimism that picture books are known for.
“Military kids are little heroes who face deployments, new schools, constant moves, and change. They deserve to see themselves in books too,” she says.
Illustrated by Garry Vaux, Operation: Care Package introduces readers to characters designed to reflect the resilience, curiosity, and courage that military children demonstrate every day.
Building Momentum Beyond the Launch
Launching an independent children’s book is rarely predictable. Still, Operation: Care Package exceeded expectations by selling more than 300 books shortly after publication.
The company has also sponsored 43 books for military families, helping place the story directly into the hands of children who can relate to its message.
Volodkevich has expanded the book’s reach through storytime events at USO North Carolina Fort Bragg and Fort Belvoir, creating opportunities to meet families in person while strengthening partnerships within the military community. More military base visits are planned as the series continues to grow.
Expanding the Mission
Volodkevich’s efforts are now being recognized on a broader stage. She was recently chosen from thousands of applicants to appear on Operation: CEO, an upcoming television series produced by Inside Success TV that showcases veteran entrepreneurs making an impact in their respective industries.
The selection places her among a group of veteran founders whose businesses are driven by service, leadership, and community contribution. The series is expected to premiere this fall.
As the Zooming Zoey & Wingman Willie series expands, Volodkevich hopes more young readers will discover characters who understand what it feels like to move, adapt, and keep moving forward with confidence.
Learn More
To learn more about Maria Volodkevich, Little Wingmen Press, and the Zooming Zoey & Wingman Willie series, visit:
Website: www.zoeyandwillie.com
Instagram: @zoeyandwillie
Facebook: Zoey & Willie